The profession of a baker can be attractive to many people, and rightly so ! Being a baker is a rewarding job ; you work the dough and see your breads bake, you have the opportunity to express your culinary creativity, and you are also often in contact with customers !
However, being a baker is above all a profession of passion, requiring great motivation. The hours are not the same as for others ; waking up early and working hard are part of the job.
To become a baker, it all starts with training. In France, we have the CAP Boulangerie, a two-year training course held in vocational education establishments such as vocational high schools, which can also be taken as an independent candidate.
If you wish to deepen your skills, a Master Craftsmanship Diploma and a Technical Certificate of the Trades are available. These trainings will allow you to deepen your knowledge in bakery.
However, in addition to theory, practical experience is advised to deepen your knowledge.
Following internships in bakeries will allow you to acquire a different experience, more focused on practice. You will have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with advanced bread-making techniques, ingredients, and equipment used, but also to observe and work alongside bakers who can pass on their knowledge to you.
Whether as an independent candidate or in person, the internship period is mandatory !
Inform yourself about the registration modalities : Consult the official websites of the Ministry of National Education to obtain the most recent information on the registration modalities as an independent candidate. You will find details on the registration periods, necessary documents, and possible fees.
Be careful ! It is important to ensure that you meet the necessary conditions to register as an independent candidate, namely :
Residing in France is not necessary to take the CAP Boulanger. However, since the exams take place in France, it is necessary to be able to travel there.
It is also necessary to inform yourself about the registration dates for the exams, generally between October and November.
After ensuring that you are eligible to take your CAP Boulanger, it’s time to prepare for registration ! For this, we recommend preparing the necessary documents for your application as an independent candidate, whether it be your ID documents, diplomas/grade reports, proof of residence, etc.
Once your registration is prepared, all that’s left is to sign up and participate in the exams to obtain your CAP Boulanger as an independent candidate !
Discuss the various professional opportunities available after obtaining a CAP Boulanger, such as working in artisan bakeries, pastry shops, hotels, or even opening your own bakery.
Highlight the importance of professional experience to perfect your skills and acquire expertise in the bakery field.
Talk about career development possibilities, like pursuing additional training to specialize in certain bakery techniques or advancing to bakery chef positions.
Encourage readers to remain passionate and continue their education throughout their baking career.
After obtaining your diploma, the world of bakery opens up to you !
You will first have the opportunity to decide to start working directly, whether in artisan bakeries, pastry shops, hotels, or even high-end restaurants. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills and even your culinary creativity.
You can also choose to continue perfecting your skills, especially by completing internships with experienced bakers. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with industry trends, as well as learn new techniques.
Pursuing additional training can also allow you to continue your specialization. You can train on new techniques, ingredients, breads… It might be interesting for you to mix work and training, especially thanks to the various funding options from OPCO allowing you to train for free.
Don’t hesitate to find out more about our courses here !
Once you have gained enough experience, you can move towards the profession of bakery chef. You will have the chance to manage production, create your own recipes, train your team…
For the more entrepreneurial or impatient, obtaining your CAP Boulanger can give you the opportunity to open your own bakery.
Even if this project may seem daunting, it will allow you to learn very quickly but also to express your creativity and offer products that reflect you.
Be careful ! Attention ! Managing a bakery requires skills in management and accounting.
